Planning An Extension to Your House
Author: Maxine T. Perez
electric radiators
Consider what size and type of extension you need – there’s no point adding an extra room or two if you end up not using them, or if it will spoil the balance of your home with the remaining garden space. Try to keep the balance of outdoor space with the size of the house both for aesthetic reasons and to ensure the property remains desirable when the time does come to sell.
You will likely need an architect to draw up the actual plans based on your instructions and requirements so finding reliable architect is essential – word of mouth is the best recommendation. Your architect will discuss your requirements, and then draw up the plans ready for submitting for planning approval. This can be a time consuming and daunting task, but with the right architect the process should be relatively painless.
The cost of your extension will be a major factor in its viability and there no easy guideline to estimate costs. Where budget is a consideration, costs should be kept low but without cutting corner. Electric radiators, for example, provide great heating but don’t need expensive plumbing work.
Consider things like the fact that large areas of your house and garden may be unusable during the building work, so make sure you can cope with this, or have a contingency plan.
Your new extension will need power and heating like the rest of your house. Can your current heating system cope? One alternative to installing an expensive new boiler is to use electric radiators – these have several advantages including instant heat when required, easy installation, low costs and great flexibility.
When it comes to appointing a builder then again word of mouth is the best way, but failing this your architect may be able to recommend one. Your quote will include an estimation of timescales but take these with a pinch of salt – what if your builder’s prior job overruns, or bad weather stops work for an extended period of time?
As work begins there may be periods where your electricity or plumbing is unavailable although all good builders should ensure that you have electrical power at the end of the day. There are likely to be draughts and cold areas of the house. In the winter, at the very least, hot water should be available and electric radiators can provide heat in at least the essential rooms.
During works you’ll need to be disciplined in keeping on top of the dust and debris that inevitably occur. This makes life more comfortable and saves a mammoth clean up job when the work is completed.
Finally the building work will be done and you can sit back and relax in your new home extension. Take a little time to reflect on a job well done an congratulate yourself on taking an idea to completion and at the same time increasing the value of your most valuable asset!
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